(Debate in Parliament: Youth Day)
The ANC has created a sombre landscape for the youth of South Africa. Unemployment is at an all-time high and there are no signs of things improving any time soon. The government has stolen the future of the youth.
In a desperate attempt to escape this, approximately 25 000 schooled workers leave the country every year for various reasons, such as a lack of opportunities, the high crime rate, government's policy uncertainty and an economy that has ground to a halt.
Even if a young person were to succeed in obtaining matric or a graduate qualification, their opportunities are severely limited.
It all serves as proof that the government is not serious about creating a better future for the country's youth. The promises that are made are no more than lip service. A dysfunctional state department for the youth and a meaningless youth development agency form part of the government's smoke and mirrors. They do not contribute in any way to the development of the youth.
When development through technology is discussed, factors such as inadequate power supply must also be taken into account. The country needs a stable power supply, reliable transport systems and accessible roads to bring about economic development and growth. But decline is at the order of the day.
Failed ideologies have created an environment void of hope – an environment without economic growth and job creation which has let the youth down. Lip service will do nothing to create better opportunities or a better future.
The government certainly has no reason to celebrate Youth Day or Youth Month. How can a government celebrate the fact that it has let its young people down? It should be ashamed of this legacy.
The ANC government must be honest and admit that youth is not its priority. Its corruption has stolen the future of the youth.
There is, however, a feeble flame of hope for a future for the youth in the country – each with its own language, culture and history. That future can only realise without the ANC, and certainly without the EFF, at the steer of things.
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